Understanding the Context of Rural Enterprise in Wales
Aberystwyth University, a leading institution in the UK, has begun a comprehensive research initiative to examine the state of rural businesses across Wales. By partnering with Welsh universities, local communities, and policymakers, the project aims to bring clarity to the unique pressures and opportunities that rural enterprises face.
What the Survey Covers and Why It Matters
The survey dives into key areas such as net‑zero adaptation, employment patterns, seasonal business cycles, and the broader impact of rural companies on their local communities. Researchers led by Dr Ellen Hjort emphasize that rural Wales is frequently underrepresented in national data, which can leave critical challenges unnoticed.
Net‑Zero Adaptation
Climate change commitments are reshaping business operations. The survey asks companies how they are integrating low‑carbon technologies, sourcing sustainable materials, or reducing waste. Rural firms often have unique access to local renewable resources, and understanding these practices helps shape targeted support.
Employment Trends and Seasonal Dynamics
Seasonality can be a double‑edged sword: it offers periods of high demand while dragging down cash flow during off‑peak months. By capturing real‑time employment data, the study aims to craft strategies that smooth workforce fluctuations.
Community Impact and Well‑Being
The project explores how businesses foster community life—through job creation, community events, or training programmes. This link between business health and community well‑being is central to shaping policies that nurture rural resilience.
How Rural Businesses Can Benefit from Participation
All businesses operating in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Ceredigion, Powys, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Monmouthshire are invited to complete the survey until 21 December 2025. Participation offers:
- Visibility—Your voice contributes to a national dataset that informs policy decisions at the Senedd and Westminster.
- Recognition—All participants will be entered into a prize draw for a business support package.
- Resources—Antur Cymru (partner agency) offers workshops, meeting spaces, and training as incentives.
By sharing insights about growth and community engagement, businesses help shape tailored support programmes that reflect real local needs.
Steps to Participate
- Choose the appropriate language version—Welsh: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/aber/arolwg-busnes-cymru-wledig-2025; English: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/aber/rural-wales-business-survey-2025.
- Answer all questions honestly—provide specific examples of challenges and successes.
- Submit and note your unique identifier, which will be used to enter the prize draw.
- Take advantage of the free consulting session offered by Antur Cymru (contact [email protected]).
Maximising the Impact of Your Feedback
Collecting robust data is only the first step. Business leaders should also:
- Formulate a brief policy brief summarising key findings from the survey within the context of their industry.
- Engage with local chambers—share insights at regional meetings to spark discussions on support mechanisms.
- Network with peers—participate in Antur Cymru’s upcoming workshops to learn best practices.
By actively translating survey data into actionable recommendations, businesses strengthen the evidence base that drives meaningful policy change.
The Role of Antur Cymru and the Research Partnership
Antur Cymru acts as the distribution arm of the survey, ensuring maximum reach and a high response rate. Their incentives—workshops, meeting spaces, and training—are designed to:
- Close the skill gap that often hampers growth.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange across sectors.
- Elevate community participation in the broader research agenda.
Simultaneously, Aberystwyth University researchers maintain independence and rigor, providing peer‑reviewed analytics that will be published in a white paper available to policymakers and industry stakeholders.
How Policymakers Can Use the Findings
Insights from this research will feed into policy briefs for the Senedd and Westminster. Potential applications include: creating grant programmes that consider seasonal cash‑flow gaps; designing rural‑specific net‑zero subsidies; and aligning investment in digital infrastructure to close the connectivity divide prevalent in some Welsh rural areas.
Call to Action for Rural Business Owners
Completing the survey is a critical first step toward shaping a future that acknowledges and addresses rural entrepreneurship realities. By contributing your data, you help ensure that any new policies are grounded in authentic experience rather than assumptions.
Schedule a free consultation with Antur Cymru to discuss how your business can leverage upcoming support packages: https://www.antur-cymru.org.uk/consultation.
Want to stay updated on the progress of the Rural Wales initiative? Contact Dr Ellen Hjort or Dr Lucy Baker for more information.
After you’ve taken action, let the community know—write a short blog post, share your experience on LinkedIn, and encourage other local enterprises to participate.
Take the Next Step Today
Don’t miss the deadline: 21 December 2025. If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to the research team or Antur Cymru. Together, we can build a future where rural enterprises thrive and communities flourish.
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